Negotiation upon hiring January 24, 2026 8 min de lecture

How to negotiate your starting salary

  • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
  • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips
  • Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

  • Workshops and individual coaching with an experienced mentor
  • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
  • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips
  • Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

  • Specialized books like La négociation efficace or Le pouvoir du silence
  • Workshops and individual coaching with an experienced mentor
  • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
  • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips
  • Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

  • Specialized books like La négociation efficace or Le pouvoir du silence
  • Workshops and individual coaching with an experienced mentor
  • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
  • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips
  • Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

  • Negotiation training modules on Welcome to the Jungle or Michael Page
  • Specialized books like La négociation efficace or Le pouvoir du silence
  • Workshops and individual coaching with an experienced mentor
  • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
  • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips
  • Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

    • Negotiation training modules on Welcome to the Jungle or Michael Page
    • Specialized books like La négociation efficace or Le pouvoir du silence
    • Workshops and individual coaching with an experienced mentor
    • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
    • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips

    Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

    • Negotiation training modules on Welcome to the Jungle or Michael Page
    • Specialized books like La négociation efficace or Le pouvoir du silence
    • Workshops and individual coaching with an experienced mentor
    • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
    • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips

    Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

    • Showing too much impatience or being in too much of a hurry
    • Vague or hesitant communication about your expectations
    • Refusing to listen to the counter-offer without argument
    • Being arrogant or dismissive, which closes the door to any discussion
    • Making a hasty decision if the offer does not meet your expectations

    And above all, never forget that negotiation is not only about the amount, but also about the whole package. Between friends, it’s better to keep in mind that every detail counts, and that a good negotiator knows how to show listening and diplomacy.

    Essential tools to master the art of negotiating your salary at hiring in 2025

    To turn each interview into a success, you must rely on certified resources. Among them are:

    • Negotiation training modules on Welcome to the Jungle or Michael Page
    • Specialized books like La négociation efficace or Le pouvoir du silence
    • Workshops and individual coaching with an experienced mentor
    • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
    • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips

    Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

    • Showing too much impatience or being in too much of a hurry
    • Vague or hesitant communication about your expectations
    • Refusing to listen to the counter-offer without argument
    • Being arrogant or dismissive, which closes the door to any discussion
    • Making a hasty decision if the offer does not meet your expectations

    And above all, never forget that negotiation is not only about the amount, but also about the whole package. Between friends, it’s better to keep in mind that every detail counts, and that a good negotiator knows how to show listening and diplomacy.

    Essential tools to master the art of negotiating your salary at hiring in 2025

    To turn each interview into a success, you must rely on certified resources. Among them are:

    • Negotiation training modules on Welcome to the Jungle or Michael Page
    • Specialized books like La négociation efficace or Le pouvoir du silence
    • Workshops and individual coaching with an experienced mentor
    • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
    • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips

    Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

    Why negotiate your salary at hiring: a secret few employees dare to reveal

    In the 2025 job market, salary negotiation remains a real challenge for many, especially for those entering the workforce or changing companies. Yet, behind this step that can seem intimidating lies a unique opportunity to significantly improve your pay. Between statistics showing that less than half of candidates dare to raise the subject, and expert advice that reveals all the potential of a good negotiation, it’s worth asking: why let this chance slip by?

    Imagine yourself as a recent graduate or an experienced professional, ready to sign, but hesitating to ask for more. The fear of refusal, uncertainty about market value, or simply the worry of making a bad impression. We all know these blocks. Yet, once mastered, this negotiation step can become your best ally in your career. In fact, many recruitment experts, such as those at Michael Page or RegionsJob, confirm that a majority of employees undervalue their salary potential without even realizing it.”

    Between you and me, it’s not a question of luck or talent. It’s primarily a matter of preparation, strategy, and boldness. Because at heart, you are not selling your salary, you are adjusting it. And if you don’t do it, your employer will benefit. So, ready to discover how to go from the person who’s afraid to ask to the one who negotiates like a true pro? In this article, I will reveal everything. It’s time to take control of your pay!

    Understanding the strategic stakes of salary negotiation during hiring

    When you enter a salary negotiation at hiring, you are not just obtaining a figure. You are also setting your market value, your standing with your future employer, and you are committing your professional future. In 2025, this step has become essential if you want to benefit from better purchasing power, non-financial advantages, or even greater recognition of your expertise.

    Employers, for their part, know that their offer must attract the right profile. According to a study by APEC, 55% of female executives hesitate to negotiate their salary, compared with 61% of men. The difference? A question of confidence, but also of misunderstandings. For them, it’s often a delicate stage to approach, even a risk of losing the candidate if poorly handled. In reality, it’s quite the opposite: a well-orchestrated negotiation can make all the difference. If you can demonstrate your value, your employer will see that you are serious, motivated, and above all that you know what you’re worth. Between us, this stance reassures as much as it impresses.

    Key reasons why you shouldn’t neglect salary negotiation from the start

    Often, people think salary is negotiable only if one has a lot of experience or if the position is strategic. False. Whether you are a recent graduate, changing careers, or a seasoned executive, there is always room to do better. Why push open the door to negotiation? Because this approach allows you to align your salary with your real value, but also to open the way for future negotiations. If you accept an offer without even discussing it, you risk missing out on potential raises or benefits that could change the game.

    Moreover, in 2025, companies have understood that their future employees are no longer willing to accept all proposals quickly. Negotiation has become a key step to show your professionalism, your self-confidence, and your ability to defend your interests. Among other things, it creates a more balanced, respectful power dynamic, where you position yourself as a trusted partner rather than a mere executor.

    Essential steps to effectively prepare your salary negotiation during hiring

    It all starts with good preparation. Have you already taken stock of your skills and your value? If not, it’s time. Without that, you risk relying on assumptions and being swept aside by objections or low offers. The key is to study the market: what are the average salaries for the targeted position, in the region, and depending on company size? Tools like Glassdoor or LinkedIn are valuable for gathering this information. In 2025, this data is even more reliable and up to date.

    Next, normalize your wording: you don’t ask for a salary, you propose a range. For example: “I am looking for a compensation between 45 000 € and 55 000 € gross per year, depending on responsibilities and benefits.” If you want to go further, you can also prepare a few quantified arguments: projects you led, results achieved, or even your professional network, which gives you a real competitive advantage.

    How to structure your pitch to convince during salary negotiation

    It’s not just a matter of “I want this amount”, but of bringing concrete evidence. Imagine you are facing your recruiter: how do you show them that you are the missing piece to boost their business?

    Here are some tips to build your argument:

    • Tell a success story: how you helped your previous company increase results or solve a problem
    • Quantify your impact: revenue increase, cost reduction, simplification of a process
    • Show your specific added value: rare skills, certifications, soft skills (flexibility, team spirit, autonomy)
    • Adapt each argument to the offer and the company: a personalized case always makes a stronger impression

    In 2025, recruiters are more sensitive to the ability to understand the direct impact of your work than merely your CV. Be precise, concrete, and convincing.

    Non-financial elements to negotiate alongside base salary

    Compensation is not always limited to the displayed amount. More than ever, in 2025, negotiation must also cover in-kind benefits and other perks that matter in your final package. Here’s what you can consider:

    1. Annual or quarterly bonuses (performance, seniority, etc.)
    2. Additional days off or flexible working hours
    3. Full or partial remote work, highly valued in the current context
    4. Continuing education, investment in your professional development
    5. Possibility of rapid advancement or internal mobility

    This type of negotiation allows you to increase your purchasing power and gain quality of life at work. You can also consider other forms of recognition like a company car or meal vouchers. The key is to think “overall package”.

    When is the best time to bring up salary negotiation during the job interview?

    This point is crucial. In reality, you must not rush. The golden rule? wait for the recruiter to bring up the subject or, failing that, show tact by asking the right question at the right moment. In 2025, the majority of recruiters expect you to show your interest before discussing salary.

    Here are some strategies to choose the right moment:

    • Wait until the end of the interview, when the recruiter asks if you have any questions
    • Ask the question during a second interview or after an official offer
    • Don’t bring up compensation if the rapport isn’t well established yet

    A key phrase to start the discussion: “I’m very interested in this position. Could you tell me more about the salary range planned for this role?” The subtlety lies in the confidence and finesse of your language.

    How to respond to salary proposals to optimize your professional future

    When the time comes, you may face different proposals. This is where your preparation pays off. In 2025, the secret lies in your ability to remain flexible while affirming your value. If the offer is below your expectations, you must react with tact:

    • Express your enthusiasm for the position while pointing out that the proposal is below market
    • Propose a realistic counter-offer, based on your research
    • Discuss other compensatory elements such as benefits or rapid progression
    • Show your flexibility while remaining firm on your end goal

    An effective response: “Thank you for this proposal. It aligns with my interest in the position. However, given the responsibilities, I believe a salary around 55 000 € would be more coherent. Would you be open to discussing that?”

    Errors to avoid to succeed in salary negotiation during hiring

    To avoid tarnishing your image or breaking the momentum of your negotiation, here’s what you must absolutely avoid:

    • Showing too much impatience or being in too much of a hurry
    • Vague or hesitant communication about your expectations
    • Refusing to listen to the counter-offer without argument
    • Being arrogant or dismissive, which closes the door to any discussion
    • Making a hasty decision if the offer does not meet your expectations

    And above all, never forget that negotiation is not only about the amount, but also about the whole package. Between friends, it’s better to keep in mind that every detail counts, and that a good negotiator knows how to show listening and diplomacy.

    Essential tools to master the art of negotiating your salary at hiring in 2025

    To turn each interview into a success, you must rely on certified resources. Among them are:

    • Negotiation training modules on Welcome to the Jungle or Michael Page
    • Specialized books like La négociation efficace or Le pouvoir du silence
    • Workshops and individual coaching with an experienced mentor
    • Negotiation simulations with a friend or a professional
    • Forums and blogs (LinkedIn, Monster, Cadremploi) where professionals share their tips

    Knowing how to surround yourself is the key to earning tens, even hundreds of euros in each negotiation. In 2025, mastery of these tools has become indispensable for any ambitious person.

    Your turn now: engage in negotiation with confidence

    The time has come: arm yourself with the right information, prepare your speech and dare to ask for what you deserve. The longer you wait, the more you give others the opportunity to take your place or underpay you. Remember: every extra euro negotiated today is an investment in your future. Don’t let this chance to change your professional trajectory for the better pass you by.

    Lucas Morel

    Lucas Morel

    Spécialiste négociation salariale

    Décrypte les ressorts de la négociation salariale et partage des méthodes concrètes pour obtenir une meilleure rémunération.